We decided to test the effect of slope on the speed of a cart. Previously we had done experiments with carts, fans to propel them, and a near frictionless track. We hypothesized that increasing the slope of the track would increase the velocity of our cart as it moved across the track.
Procedure
We used a cart with a fan, several physics books, a track, and photogate equipment to measure velocity. Our first test was at a slope of 0 degrees to establish a control. We turned on the cart's fan and then released it while activating the photogate. After 100 cm the photogate measured the cart's time through the gate, allowing us to calculate the velocity. This test was done five times. Then we placed one physics book under the track and tested the cart's speed five times too. The physics book brought the cart to an angle of 2.29 degrees. This test was repeated with two and three physics books (4.59 and 6.89 degrees respectively) under the track to increase the track's slope. For all angles five tests were conducted.
Results
Angle (Degrees)
V1
V2
V3
V4
V5
0
.5319
.5434
.5434
.5434
.5319
2.29
1
1
1
1
1.0417
4.59
1.1905
1.25
1.1905
1.25
1.25
6.89
1.667
1.667
1.667
1.667
1.667
*V=Velocity measured by meters per second (m/s)
Conclusions
In conclusion, as the slope of the track increased from 0 degrees to 6.89 degrees, the velocity of the cart increased as it went down the track. Over the course of the experiment, as the angle of the slope changed from 0 to 6.89 degrees, the velocity approximately tripled. Therefore, it is reasonable to deduce that there is a linear relationship between velocity and slope. The possible sources of error in this experiment include measurement errors due to a lack of consideration of friction acting on the cart and poor human reaction time when releasing the cart down the track. These errors would have a considerable impact on the velocity.
Table of Contents
Carts on a Slope
Andrew, Charlotte, Davis, Ellis
Introduction
We decided to test the effect of slope on the speed of a cart. Previously we had done experiments with carts, fans to propel them, and a near frictionless track. We hypothesized that increasing the slope of the track would increase the velocity of our cart as it moved across the track.
Procedure
We used a cart with a fan, several physics books, a track, and photogate equipment to measure velocity. Our first test was at a slope of 0 degrees to establish a control. We turned on the cart's fan and then released it while activating the photogate. After 100 cm the photogate measured the cart's time through the gate, allowing us to calculate the velocity. This test was done five times. Then we placed one physics book under the track and tested the cart's speed five times too. The physics book brought the cart to an angle of 2.29 degrees. This test was repeated with two and three physics books (4.59 and 6.89 degrees respectively) under the track to increase the track's slope. For all angles five tests were conducted.
Results
Conclusions
In conclusion, as the slope of the track increased from 0 degrees to 6.89 degrees, the velocity of the cart increased as it went down the track. Over the course of the experiment, as the angle of the slope changed from 0 to 6.89 degrees, the velocity approximately tripled. Therefore, it is reasonable to deduce that there is a linear relationship between velocity and slope. The possible sources of error in this experiment include measurement errors due to a lack of consideration of friction acting on the cart and poor human reaction time when releasing the cart down the track. These errors would have a considerable impact on the velocity.
References
We had no references.